“How do you feel about online classes?” It’s a question that every student has been asked non-stop since the beginning of last month. It’s a fair question to ask. With such uncertainty in our present situation, online classes are here for the summer semester, whether we like it or not. It’s reasonable to want to know how the student body feels about classes moving forward.
My opinion? Online classes suck.
I have a hard time focusing on schoolwork at home. I can work for hours at school on projects, homework, or whatever I need to spend time on while on campus. Working at home is a different story. Once I’m at home, I’m no longer in work mode and my mind automatically relaxes into the familiar comfort of my home routines. I’ll wash the dishes, clean my room, and do any miscellaneous tasks that need to be completed. Attending a digital class and/or being academically productive in that mindset is difficult.
Then there’s the physical difficulty of being seated at my computer for 8-plus hours every day. I’m generally a pretty active person, so being limited to a seated position at a desk takes its toll. It’s also made me hate my computer, and everything around it. Being forced to work long hours in the same uncomfortable chair and same ugly desk every day has made my brain associate all the negative aspects of school into one object: my computer.
You’d think that, being as connected to the internet as I am, it would be easy to get in contact with peers and professors. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Some teachers are very good about checking their email and responding within the hour. Some teachers are at the opposite end of the spectrum and take two business days to reply. It’s these teachers that cause the issues for me. I can’t help but think that if we were still in classes on campus, my question could be answered in 30 seconds.
I’m sure there are many other students in the same boat as me. Being expected to attend class and do projects from home just isn’t viable for everyone. It’s unfair to try to force people to work in conditions that aren’t necessarily good for them. Some students have commitments to jobs, kids, families; some students may not even have Wi-Fi or a computer. Some students are in programs that just can’t be put online, like welding or outdoor recreation.
I understand that schools are trying to make the best of the situation. I completely, and compassionately, understand that everyone is trying their best to find a solution. Nobody knows how long public places will be closed or when non-essential services can begin to operate again. The best we can do for the time being is to communicate with each other and stay connected. Remember: “distancing” doesn’t have to mean “complete and total isolation.”
But online classes still suck.